2011 Subaru Impreza WRX revealed ahead of New York Auto Show

Subaru goes for a more aggressive look for its 2011 standard WRX model and gives it wider body panels. Of course, the WRX is still inferior to the WRX STI, which remains as the top car in the Impreza lineup. The 2009 WRX got a boost of horsepower to achieve 265hp, only 40hp lower than the WRX STI.

The 2011 WRX also gets WRX STI's bulging fender flares and its front and rear track will be widened by 1.5 inches each. To boost performance further, the model gets firmer subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires. With these revisions, 34 pounds are added to the 2011 WRX's curb weight.

The 2011 WRX gets a revised front end with a new grilled, sharpened bumper corners, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles, and a protruding lip spoiler. Subaru claims that the exterior changes record a lower drag coefficient than the outgoing model.

Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, said that the new wide-body designs signify another major step on the continuous evolution of the WRX.

This provides enthusiasts with a more impressive all-wheel-drive performance package. The WRX's turbocharged 2.5-liter H4 will have the same output for the 2011 model, with 265hp and 244 pound-feet of torque.

Also unchanged are the WRX's five-speed manual transmission and its Continuous AWD version of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Watch out for the 2011 Subaru WRX at the 2010 New York Auto Show towards the end of March.

Press Release

Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru of America introduced the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX models, which now use a wide-body design like the brand's iconic WRX STI performance flagship model. The wider body designs give the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX an aggressive road presence and also allow wider track dimensions.

An approximately 1.5-inch increase in front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tires deliver improved grip in the 2011 WRX. The standard wheels are now 17 x 8-in. vs. 17 x 7-in. in the 2010 model, and tire size is now 235/45R17 vs. 225/45R17.

"The new wide-body designs mark another major step on the continuous evolution of the Subaru Impreza WRX to give driving enthusiasts an even more compelling all-wheel drive performance package," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc.

The WRX has been the focus of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2009 model received the 265-hp engine and a significant chassis tuning upgrade. For 2010, the new Limited trim lines expanded the WRX model's appeal to a broader range of driving enthusiasts.

The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX uses the Continuous AWD version of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A viscous coupling locking center differential nominally distributes torque 50:50. Should slippage occur, this system transfers more power to the wheels with the best traction.

The Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system is standard. Incline Start Assist, featured on all Impreza models equipped with a manual transmission, can momentarily prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

New Designs for 2011

Both the Subaru Impreza WRX 5-door model and 4-door model will now feature a wide-body design for 2011 similar to that of the WRX STI, underscoring the high-performance character of both models . The new design is based on a "wide and low" concept and gives both cars an aggressive street presence. The design also maintains a consistent flow from front to rear bumper, creating a distinctive identity and a sense of stability in the vehicles.

In front, the 2011 WRX models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings.

For the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 4-door model, the wider fenders are stretched out on the side more than the tail lamps, accentuating a look of stability. The new design details contribute to an improved drag coefficient.

Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior

In the WRX models, exclusive carbon black checkered upholstery accented by red stitching sets the tone for the sporty interior. The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep luggage compartment. In the 5-door, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seat backs in the upright position. In the 4-door, which is 6.5-inches longer than the 5-door, the trunk can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. A 60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and convenience in both models and the 4-door also features a rear seat fold-down center armrest.

All Subaru Impreza WRX models are equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver's footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and head restraint into a single structure. As a sporty accent, the instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that sweep the gauge faces upon engine startup.

The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a three-spoke, leather-wrapped design and features control switches for Bluetooth® hands-free phone function. A new AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player features Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, iPod control capability, a USB port, 3.5mm aux. input jack and has XM/SIRIUS satellite radio capability (subscription is extra). An available navigation system integrates a vehicle information center and Bluetooth hands-free calling.

Proven Subaru Safety

The Impreza models are built around the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones. This design has been proven in Subaru models for over a decade to provide outstanding crash protection. Side-curtain airbags are standard on all Subaru models, as is a 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.